Methods and systems for automotive type transient protection of a solar charge source

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods are described herein for providing automotive type transient protection of a solar charge source. In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes a load and a solar charge source for providing DC power to the load. The solar charge source including a solar charge controller including an automotive type transient suppression module configured to provide automotive type transient protection for the solar charge source from an automotive type transient.

FIELD

The disclosure herein relates to a solar charge source. Moreparticularly, the disclosure herein relates to methods and systems forautomotive type transient protection of a solar charge source.

BACKGROUND

A transport refrigeration system (TRS) is generally used to control anenvironmental condition (e.g., temperature, humidity, air quality, andthe like) within a transport unit (e.g., a container (such as acontainer on a flat car, an intermodal container, etc.), a truck, a boxcar, or other similar transport unit (generally referred to as a“transport unit”)). A refrigerated transport unit (e.g., a transportunit with a TRS) is commonly used to transport perishable items such asflowers, pharmaceuticals, produce, frozen foods, and meat products.Typically, the TRS includes a transport refrigeration unit (TRU) that isattached to the transport unit to control an environmental condition(e.g., temperature, humidity, atmosphere, etc.) of the cargo space. TheTRU can include, without limitation, a compressor, a condenser, anexpansion valve, an evaporator, and fans or blowers to control the heatexchange between the air inside the cargo space and the ambient airoutside of the refrigerated transport unit. The TRS is typically poweredby an engine as the primary power source.

SUMMARY

The disclosure herein relates to a solar charge source. Moreparticularly, the disclosure herein relates to methods and systems forautomotive type transient protection of a solar charge source.

In particular, the embodiments described herein provide systems andmethods for protecting a solar charge source (e.g., a solar panel, asolar charge controller, etc.) from various electrical automotive typetransients including, for example, load dump, over-current and/orover-voltage, inductive switching spike, DC motor regenerativetransient, etc.

In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes a load and a solarcharge source for providing DC power to the load. The solar chargesource including a solar charge controller including an automotive typetransient suppression module configured to provide automotive typetransient protection for the solar charge source from an automotive typetransient.

In another embodiment, a battery charging system for charging a batteryis provided. The battery charging system includes the battery providingelectrical power to a load, an electric machine charge source and asolar charge source for charging the power source. The electric machinecharge source includes a prime mover configured to generate mechanicalpower and an electric machine connected to the prime mover andconfigured to convert the mechanical power generated by the prime moverinto electrical power for charging the power source. The solar chargesource is connected in parallel to the electric machine charge sourceand includes a solar panel configured to absorb sunlight and generateelectrical power from the sunlight, and a solar charge controllerconnected to the solar panel, the solar charge controller including anautomotive type transient suppression module configured to provideautomotive type transient protection for the solar charge source from anautomotive type transient.

In yet another embodiment, a method for providing power to a load usinga solar charge source is provided. The method includes a solar chargecontroller of the solar charge source obtaining electrical power from asolar panel. The method also includes passing the electrical powerthrough an electrostatic discharge protection module for protecting thesolar charge source from a sudden flow of electricity between the solarcharge controller and an electrically charged object. Also, the methodincludes a converter module converting the obtained electrical powerfrom a first voltage level to a second voltage level. Further, themethod includes a load control module regulating the convertedelectrical power for controlling power provided to the load. Moreover,the method includes passing the regulated electrical power through anautomotive type transient suppression module for protecting the solarcharge source from an automotive type transient. Also, the methodincludes passing the regulated electrical power through theelectrostatic discharge protection module and out of the solar chargecontroller.

In a further embodiment, a solar charge source for providing DC power toa load is provided. The solar charge source includes a solar chargecontroller including an automotive type transient suppression moduleconfigured to provide automotive type transient protection for the solarcharge source from an automotive type transient.

Other features and aspects will become apparent by consideration of thefollowing detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a DC battery power system,according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a solar charge controller with automotive typetransient protection, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method for automotive typetransient protection of a solar charge controller, according to oneembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosure herein relates to a solar charge source. Moreparticularly, the disclosure herein relates to methods and systems forautomotive type transient protection of a solar charge source.

In particular, the embodiments described herein provide systems andmethods for protecting a solar charge source (e.g., a solar panel, asolar charge controller, etc.) from an automotive type transient (alsoreferred to as a voltage automotive type transient, an electricalautomotive type transient, an automotive type transient spike, etc.)such as, for example, load dump, over-current and/or over-voltage,inductive switching spike, DC motor regenerative transient, etc. Anautomotive type transient as defined herein is directed to one or moreof each and every transient prescribed under SAE (Society of AutomotiveEngineers) J1113, SAE J1455, ISO (International Standards Organization)11452, ISO 7637, ISO 10605, and IEC (International ElectrotechnicalCommission) CISPR-25. In particular, an automotive type transient asdefined herein can be directed to one or more of a J113/11 Pulse 1ctransient, a J113/11 Pulse 2a transient, a J1113/11 Pulse 2b transient,a J113/11 Pulses 3a/3b transient, a J1113/11 Pulse 4 transient, aJ1113/11 Load Dump transient.

The embodiments described herein can provide automotive type transientprotection of a solar charge source from clamped and unclampedautomotive type transients. Automotive type transient protection of thesolar charge source can prevent temporary and/or permanent loss of thesolar charge source and thereby solar charging of a battery. Automotivetype transient protection of the solar charge source can also preventtemporary and/or permanent loss of any electrical components (e.g.,charge sources, batteries, loads, etc.) connected to the solar chargesource.

The embodiments described herein can be used to provide automotive typetransient protection of a solar charge source that is connected inparallel with an electric machine charge source such as, for example, ina transport setting. For example, in one situation, an automotive typetransient can occur when an electric machine charge source (e.g., aprime mover connected to an electric machine) used to control an outputvoltage for charging a battery is disconnected from or has anintermittent connection with the battery being charged.

The embodiments described herein can be used for a solar charge sourceprovided in a dual energy application such as, but not limited to, avehicle (e.g., a refrigerated transport unit, a bus, a shuttle bus, anambulance, a boat, an airplane, a tractor, a semi-tractor, a sweeper, adump truck, etc.), heavy machinery (industrial equipment, off-highwaymachinery, stand-by generator sets, pumps, oil field equipment, railequipment, etc.), an auxiliary power unit (APU), etc. The embodimentsdescribed herein, including the solar charge source, can be rated forautomotive use.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a DC battery power system 100 forcharging a battery 105, according to one embodiment. The DC batterypower system 100 includes an electric machine charge source 110 and asolar charge source 120 for charging the battery 105 using DC power. Thebattery 105 can be used to power an optional load 125. In someembodiments, the DC battery power system 100 can be a 12 volt DC batterypower system. In other embodiments, the DC battery power system 100 canbe a higher voltage DC battery power system such as, for example, a 24volt DC battery power system, a 48 volt DC battery power system, etc.

The electric machine charge source 110 includes a prime mover (e.g., anengine) 112 connected to an electric machine (alternator, generator,etc.) 114. The prime mover 112 is configured to generate mechanicalpower and send the mechanical power to the electric machine 114. Theelectric machine can be referred to, for example, as an electric motor,an electric generator, an electric alternator, an electromechanicalenergy converter, or the like and is configured to convert mechanicalpower into electrical power. The electric machine 114 is configured toconvert the mechanical power from the prime mover 112 into electricalpower before sending the electrical power to charge the battery 105. Insome embodiments, the electric machine 114 can include, for example, analternator, a generator, etc. In embodiments where the electric machine114 includes an alternator, the electric machine 114 can include aregulator (e.g., a DC regulator) to regulate the electrical power sentto the battery 105.

The solar charge source 120 includes a solar panel 122 and a solarcharge controller 124. The solar panel 122 includes one or more solarcells (not shown) that is configured to absorb sunlight from the sun andgenerate electrical power therefrom. As the solar panel 122 relies onthe amount of light energy captured from the sun, the electrical powergenerated and outputted by the solar panel 122 can vary. The variableelectrical power outputted by the solar panel 122 is sent to the solarcharge controller 124. While FIG. 1 shows a single solar panel 122, itwill be appreciated that the solar panel 122 can include a plurality ofsolar panels.

The solar charge controller 124 is configured to regulate the variablevoltage and/or current of the electrical power received from the solarpanel 122 before sending the regulated electrical power to charge thebattery 105. As shown in FIG. 1, the electrical machine 114 isconfigured to send a run signal to the solar charge controller 124 foroperating the solar charge controller 124.

In some embodiments, the electric machine charge source 110 can be theprimary charge source for the battery 105 and the solar charge source120 can be the secondary charge source. In other embodiments, the solarcharge source 120 can be the primary charge source for the battery 105and the electric machine charge source 110 can be the secondary chargesource.

When charging the battery 105, the solar charge controller 124 can beconfigured to regulate the electrical power sent to charge the battery105 based on the charge status of the battery 105. For example, when thebattery 105 is at a low charge status, the solar charge controller canbe configured to send a designated maximum electrical power to thebattery 105. When the battery 105 is fully or nearly fully charged(e.g., at a high charge status), the solar charge controller can beconfigured to trickle charge the battery 105 (e.g., charging the battery105 at a rate equal to a self-discharge rate of the battery 105 when thebattery 105 is not providing power to the load 125). In someembodiments, the solar charge controller 124 can be configured totransition charging of the battery 105 between a bulk charge mode (e.g.,delivering as much current as possible to the battery 105 to rapidlycharge the battery 105), an adsorption charge mode (e.g., delivering alower current and a steady voltage to the battery 105 to safely chargethe battery 105 while preventing overheating of the battery 105) and afloat charge mode (e.g., delivering an even lower current and a lowervoltage to the battery 105 to prevent overcharging and outgassing thebattery 105) based on the charge status of the battery 105.

The battery 105 can include one or more battery modules that can be usedto provide electrical power to the optional load 125. The optional load125 can be, for example, a vehicle (e.g., a refrigerated transport unit,a bus, a shuttle bus, an ambulance, a boat, an airplane, a tractor, asemi-tractor, a sweeper, a dump truck, etc.), heavy machinery(industrial equipment, off-highway machinery, stand-by generator sets,pumps, oil field equipment, rail equipment, etc.), an auxiliary powerunit (APU), etc.

As discussed in more detail below, the DC battery power system 100 isconfigured to provide automotive type transient protection of the solarcharge source 120 from an automotive type transient such as, forexample, load dump, over-current and/or over-voltage, inductiveswitching spike, DC motor regenerative transient, etc. In oneembodiment, the solar charge controller 124 can be configured to provideautomotive type transient protection of the solar charge source 120 froman automotive type transient. Examples of automotive type transients caninclude, for example, SAE J1113 type transients, SAE J1455 typetransients, ISO 11452 type transients, ISO 7637 type transients, ISO10605 type transients, IEC CISPR-25 type transients, etc.

FIG. 2 illustrates a solar charge controller 200 (such as the solarcharge controller 124 shown in FIG. 1) with automotive type transientprotection, according to one embodiment. The solar charge controller 200includes an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection module 205, a DC toDC Converter 210, a load control module 215, an automotive typetransient suppression mechanism 220, and a power supply module 225. Thesolar charge controller 200 can also include a memory, a clock, and aninput/output (I/O) interface (not shown).

The ESD protection module 205 is configured to protect the solar chargecontroller 200 and generally a solar charge source (e.g., the solarcharge source 120 shown in FIG. 1) from a sudden flow of electricitybetween the solar charge controller 200 and another electrically chargedobject caused by, for example, contact, an electrical short, adielectric breakdown, etc. Generally, the ESD protection module 205 canprotect the solar charge source of an electrostatic discharge that canoccur, for example, at a very high voltage and low power situation.

The DC-DC Converter module 210 is configured to convert electrical powerfrom, for example, a solar panel (e.g., the solar panel 122 shown inFIG. 1) from a first voltage level to a second voltage level. The firstvoltage level of the electrical power from, for example, the solarpanel, can be a variable voltage level dependent upon the amount ofsunlight absorbed by the solar panel. The second voltage level can be apredefined voltage level that is selected based on required outputelectrical power of the solar charge controller 200.

The load control module 215 is configured to control operation of thesolar charge controller 200 and generally the solar charge source. Theload control module 215 includes a processor (not shown) having a loadcontrol and output regulation portion 230, a temperature compensationportion 235, a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) portion 240 and astartup and charge rate intelligence portion 245.

The load control and output regulation portion 230 is configured tocontrol and regulate the electrical power sent to charge a battery(e.g., the battery 105 shown in FIG. 1) based on information receivedfrom the MPPT portion 235, the temperature compensation portion 240, andthe startup and charge rate intelligence portion 245.

The MMPT portion 235 is configured to obtain solar cell data from asolar panel (e.g., the solar panel 122 shown in FIG. 1), determine poweroptimization information from the solar panel data, and provide thepower optimization information to the load control and output regulationportion 230 in order to adjust the electrical power provided by thesolar charge controller 200 to charge the battery. The poweroptimization information can be determined based on maximizing sunlightabsorbed by the solar panel, by handling variable input of the solarpanel, etc.

The temperature compensation portion 240 is configured to obtaintemperature data of the battery, determine voltage and/or currentcorrection information based on the battery temperature, and provide thevoltage and/or current correction information to the load control andoutput regulation portion 230 in order to adjust the electrical powerprovided by the solar charge controller 200 to charge the battery.

The startup and charge rate intelligence portion 245 is configured toobtain charge status data from the battery, determine chargeoptimization information based on the charge status data, and providethe charge optimization information to the load control and outputregulation portion 230 in order to adjust the electrical power providedby the solar charge controller 200 to charge the battery. For example,when the charge optimization information indicates that the battery isat a low charge status, the load control and output regulation portion230 can be configured to send a designated maximum electrical power tothe battery. When the charge optimization information indicates that thebattery is fully or nearly fully charged (e.g., at a high chargestatus), the load control and output regulation portion 230 can beconfigured to trickle charge the battery (e.g., charging the battery ata rate equal to a self-discharge rate of the battery when the battery isnot providing power to a load). In some embodiments, the load controland output regulation portion 230 can be configured to transitioncharging of the battery between a bulk charge mode (e.g., delivering asmuch current as possible to the battery to rapidly charge the battery),an adsorption charge mode (e.g., delivering a lower current and a steadyvoltage to the battery to safely charge the battery while preventingoverheating of the battery) and a float charge mode (e.g., delivering aneven lower current and a lower voltage to the battery to preventovercharging and outgassing the battery) based on the chargeoptimization information.

The automotive type transient suppression module 220 is configured toprovide automotive type transient protection for the solar chargecontroller 200 and generally the solar charge source. The automotivetype transient suppression module 220 can provide automotive typetransient protection from, for example, load dump, over-current and/orover-voltage, inductive switching spike, DC motor regenerativetransient, etc. In some embodiments, the automotive type transientsuppression module 220 can include a transient voltage suppression (TVS)circuit configured to react to sudden or momentary transient conditions.The TVS circuit can include an automotive transient suppression circuitfor protecting the solar charge controller 200 and generally the solarcharge source from an automotive type transient. Examples of automotivetype transients can include, for example, SAE J1113 type transients, SAEJ1455 type transients, ISO 11452 type transients, ISO 7637 typetransients, ISO 10605 type transients, IEC CISPR-25 type transients,etc.

The power supply module 225 is configured to provide power to the solarcharge controller 200 generally including, for example, the ESD module205, the DC-DC converter module 210, the load control module 215 and theautomotive type transient suppression module 220.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method 300 for charging a battery(e.g., the battery 105 shown in FIG. 1) using a solar charge source withautomotive type transient protection (e.g., the solar charge source 120shown in FIG. 1) that is connected in parallel with an electric machinecharge source (e.g., the electric machine charge source 110 shown inFIG. 1), according to one embodiment.

At 305, a solar panel (e.g., the solar panel 122 shown in FIG. 1)absorbs sunlight and generates electrical power from the absorbedsunlight. At 310, the solar panel sends the generated electrical powerto a solar charge controller (e.g., the solar charge controller 124, 200shown in FIGS. 1 and 2). At 315, the generated electrical power passesthrough an ESD protection module (e.g., the ESD protection module 205shown in FIG. 2) to protect the solar charge controller and generallythe solar charge source from a sudden flow of electricity between thesolar charge controller 200 and another electrically charged objectcaused by, for example, contact, an electrical short, a dielectricbreakdown, etc.

At 320, the electrical power passing through the ESD protection modulethen passes through a DC-DC converter module (e.g., the DC-DC convertermodule 210 shown in FIG. 2) to convert the electrical power from a firstvoltage level to a second voltage level. The first voltage level of theelectrical power from the solar panel can be, for example, a variablevoltage level dependent upon the amount of sunlight absorbed by thesolar panel. The second voltage level can be a predefined voltage levelthat is selected based on required output electrical power of the solarcharge controller.

At 330, the converted electrical power from the DC-DC converter modulethen passes through a load control module (e.g., the load control module215 shown in FIG. 2) to regulate the converted electrical power. Theload control module can regulate the converted electrical power basedon, for example, temperature compensation, MPPT, startup and charge rateintelligence, etc. as discussed above with respect to the load controlmodule 215 shown in FIG. 2.

At 335, the regulated electrical power from the load control module thenpasses through an automotive type transient suppression module (e.g.,the automotive type transient suppression module 220 shown in FIG. 2) toprovide automotive type transient protection for the solar chargecontroller and generally the solar charge source. The automotive typetransient suppression module can provide automotive type transientprotection from, for example, load dump, over-current and/orover-voltage, inductive switching spike, DC motor regenerativetransient, etc. In some embodiments, the regulated electrical powerpasses through a TVS circuit configured to react to sudden or momentarytransient conditions. The TVS circuit can include an automotive typetransient suppression circuit for protecting the solar charge controllerand generally the solar charge source from an automotive type transient.Examples of automotive type transients can include, for example, SAEJ1113 type transients, SAE J1455 type transients, ISO 11452 typetransients, ISO 7637 type transients, ISO 10605 type transients, IECCISPR-25 type transients, etc.

At 340, the solar charge controller sends the regulated electrical powerto the battery for charging the battery.

With regard to the foregoing description, it is to be understood thatchanges may be made in detail, without departing from the scope of thepresent invention. It is intended that the specification and depictedembodiments are to be considered exemplary only, with a true scope andspirit of the invention being indicated by the broad meaning of theclaims.

Aspects

Any of aspects 1-6 can be combined with any of aspects 7-10 and aspects11-15. Any aspects 7-10 can be combined with any of aspects 11-15.

Aspect 1. A system comprising:

a load;

a solar charge source for providing DC power to the load, the solarcharge source including:

-   -   a solar charge controller including an automotive type transient        suppression module configured to provide automotive type        transient protection for the solar charge source from an        automotive type transient.        Aspect 2. The system of aspect 1, wherein the solar charge        source further includes a solar panel connected to the solar        charge controller, wherein the solar panel is configured to        absorb sunlight and generate electrical power from the sunlight.        Aspect 3. The system of any one of aspects 1 or 2, wherein the        solar charge controller further includes a load control module        configured to control operation of the solar charge source.        Aspect 4. The system of aspect 3, wherein the load control        module includes:

a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) portion configured to obtain solarcell data from a solar panel and determine power optimizationinformation from the solar panel data;

a temperature compensation portion configured to obtain temperature dataof the load and determine correction information based on thetemperature data; and

a startup and charge rate intelligence portion configured to obtaincharge status data from the load and determine charge optimizationinformation based on the charge status data; and

a load control and output regulation portion configured to control andregulate electrical power sent to charge the load based on the poweroptimization information obtained from the MPPT portion, the correctioninformation obtained from the temperature compensation portion, and thecharge optimization information obtained from the startup and chargerate intelligence portion.

Aspect 5. The system of any one of aspects 1-4, wherein the automotivetype transient suppression module is configured to protect the solarcharge source from one or more of a SAE J1113 type transient, a SAEJ1455 type transient, a ISO 11452 type transient, a ISO 7637 typetransient, a ISO 10605 type transient, and a IEC CISPR-25 typetransient.Aspect 6. The system of aspect 5, wherein the automotive type transientsuppression module is configured to protect the solar charge source fromone or more of a J1113/11 Pulse 1c transient, a J1113/11 Pulse 2atransient, a J1113/11 Pulse 2b transient, a J113/11 Pulses 3a/3btransient, a J1113/11 Pulse 4 transient, a J1113/11 Load Dump transient.Aspect 7. The system of any one of aspects 1-6, wherein the load is apower source for providing electrical power.Aspect 8. The system of any one of aspects 1-7, further comprising anelectric machine charge source for providing DC power to the load, theelectric machine charge source including an electric machine;

wherein the electric machine charge source and the solar charge sourceare connected in parallel to the load.

Aspect 9. The system of any one of aspects 1-8, wherein the solar chargecontroller includes an electrostatic discharge protection moduleconfigured to protect the solar charge source from a sudden flow ofelectricity between the solar charge controller and an electricallycharged object.Aspect 10. A battery charging system for charging a battery comprising:

the battery providing electrical power to a load;

an electric machine charge source for charging the power source, theelectric machine charge source including a prime mover configured togenerate mechanical power and an electric machine connected to the primemover and configured to convert the mechanical power generated by theprime mover into electrical power for charging the power source; and

a solar charge source for charging the power source, wherein the solarcharge source is connected in parallel to the electric machine chargesource, the solar charge source including:

-   -   a solar panel configured to absorb sunlight and generate        electrical power from the sunlight, and    -   a solar charge controller connected to the solar panel, the        solar charge controller including an automotive type transient        suppression module configured to provide automotive type        transient protection for the solar charge source from an        automotive type transient.        Aspect 11. The battery charging system of aspect 10, wherein the        solar charge controller further includes a load control module        configured to control operation of the solar charge source.        Aspect 12. The battery charging system of aspect 11, wherein the        load control module includes:

a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) portion configured to obtain solarcell data from the solar panel and determine power optimizationinformation from the solar panel data;

a temperature compensation portion configured to obtain temperature dataof the battery and determine correction information based on thetemperature data; and

a startup and charge rate intelligence portion configured to obtaincharge status data from the battery and determine charge optimizationinformation based on the charge status data; and

a load control and output regulation portion configured to control andregulate electrical power sent to charge the battery based on the poweroptimization information obtained from the MPPT portion, the correctioninformation obtained from the temperature compensation portion, and thecharge optimization information obtained from the startup and chargerate intelligence portion.

Aspect 13. The battery charging system of any one of aspects 10-12,wherein the automotive type transient suppression module is configuredto protect the solar charge source from one or more of a SAE J1113 typetransient, a SAE J1455 type transient, a ISO 11452 type transient, a ISO7637 type transient, a ISO 10605 type transient, and a IEC CISPR-25 typetransient.Aspect 14. The battery charging system of aspect 13, wherein theautomotive type transient suppression module is configured to protectthe solar charge source from one or more of a J1113/11 Pulse 1ctransient, a J1113/11 Pulse 2a transient, a J1113/11 Pulse 2b transient,a J1113/11 Pulses 3a/3b transient, a J1113/11 Pulse 4 transient, aJ1113/11 Load Dump transient.Aspect 15. The battery charging system of any one of aspects 10-14,wherein the solar charge controller includes an electrostatic dischargeprotection module configured to protect the solar charge source from asudden flow of electricity between the solar charge controller and anelectrically charged object.Aspect 16. The battery charging system of any one of aspects 10-15,wherein the automotive type transient suppression module is configuredto provide automotive type transient protection for the solar chargesource from then automotive type transient occurring when the electricmachine charge source is disconnected from the battery.Aspect 17. A method for providing power to a load using a solar chargesource, the method comprising:

a solar charge controller of the solar charge source obtainingelectrical power from a solar panel;

passing the electrical power through an electrostatic dischargeprotection module for protecting the solar charge source from a suddenflow of electricity between the solar charge controller and anelectrically charged object;

a converter module converting the obtained electrical power from a firstvoltage level to a second voltage level;

a load control module regulating the converted electrical power forcontrolling power provided to the load;

passing the regulated electrical power through an automotive typetransient suppression module for protecting the solar charge source froman automotive type transient; and

passing the regulated electrical power through the electrostaticdischarge protection module and out of the solar charge controller.

Aspect 18. The method of aspect 17, further comprising sending theregulated electrical power to the load.Aspect 19. The method of any one of aspects 17 or 18, wherein the loadcontrol module regulating the converted electrical power for controllingpower provided to the load includes:

a maximum power point tracking portion determining power optimizationinformation based on solar cell data from a solar panel;

a temperature compensation portion determining correction informationbased on temperature data of the power source;

a startup and charge rate intelligence portion determining chargeoptimization information based on charge status data of the powersource; and

the load control module regulating the converted electrical power basedon the power optimization information, the correction information, andthe charge optimization information.

Aspect 21. The method of any one of aspects 17-20, further comprisingthe automotive type transient suppression module protecting the solarcharge source from one or more of a SAE J1113 type transient, a SAEJ1455 type transient, a ISO 11452 type transient, a ISO 7637 typetransient, a ISO 10605 type transient, and a IEC CISPR-25 typetransient.Aspect 22. The method of aspect 21, further comprising the automotivetype transient suppression module protecting the solar charge sourcefrom one or more of a J1113/11 Pulse 1c transient, a J1113/11 Pulse 2atransient, a J1113/11 Pulse 2b transient, a J1113/11 Pulses 3a/3btransient, a J1113/11 Pulse 4 transient, a J1113/11 Load Dump transient.Aspect 23. A solar charge source for providing DC power to a load, thesolar charge source comprising:

a solar charge controller including an automotive type transientsuppression module configured to provide automotive type transientprotection for the solar charge source from an automotive typetransient.

Aspect 24. The solar charge source of aspect 23, further comprising asolar panel connected to the solar charge controller, wherein the solarpanel is configured to absorb sunlight and generate electrical powerfrom the sunlight.Aspect 25. The solar charge source of any one of aspects 23 or 24,wherein the solar charge controller further includes a load controlmodule configured to control operation of the solar charge source.Aspect 26. The solar charge source of aspect 25, wherein the loadcontrol module includes:

a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) portion configured to obtain solarcell data from a solar panel and determine power optimizationinformation from the solar panel data;

a temperature compensation portion configured to obtain temperature dataof the load and determine correction information based on thetemperature data; and

a startup and charge rate intelligence portion configured to obtaincharge status data from the load and determine charge optimizationinformation based on the charge status data; and

a load control and output regulation portion configured to control andregulate electrical power sent to charge the load based on the poweroptimization information obtained from the MPPT portion, the correctioninformation obtained from the temperature compensation portion, and thecharge optimization information obtained from the startup and chargerate intelligence portion.

Aspect 27. The solar charge source of any one of aspects 23-26, whereinthe automotive type transient suppression module is configured toprotect the solar charge source from one or more of a SAE J1113 typetransient, a SAE J1455 type transient, a ISO 11452 type transient, a ISO7637 type transient, a ISO 10605 type transient, and a IEC CISPR-25 typetransient.Aspect 28. The solar charge source of aspect 27, wherein the automotivetype transient suppression module is configured to protect the solarcharge source from one or more of a J1113/11 Pulse 1c transient, aJ1113/11 Pulse 2a transient, a J1113/11 Pulse 2b transient, a J1113/11Pulses 3a/3b transient, a J1113/11 Pulse 4 transient, a J1113/11 LoadDump transient.Aspect 29. The solar charge source of any one of aspects 23-28, whereinthe solar charge controller includes an electrostatic dischargeprotection module configured to protect the solar charge source from asudden flow of electricity between the solar charge controller and anelectrically charged object.

What is claimed is:
 1. A battery charging system for charging a batterycomprising: the battery providing electrical power to a load; anelectric machine charge source for charging the power source, theelectric machine charge source including a prime mover configured togenerate mechanical power and an electric machine connected to the primemover and configured to convert the mechanical power generated by theprime mover into electrical power for charging the power source; and asolar charge source for charging the power source, wherein the solarcharge source is connected in parallel to the electric machine chargesource, the solar charge source including: a solar panel configured toabsorb sunlight and generate electrical power from the sunlight, and asolar charge controller connected to the solar panel, the solar chargecontroller including an automotive type transient suppression moduleconfigured to provide automotive type transient protection for the solarcharge source from an automotive type transient.
 2. The battery chargingsystem of claim 1, wherein the solar charge controller further includesa load control module configured to control operation of the solarcharge source.
 3. The battery charging system of claim 2, wherein theload control module includes: a maximum power point tracking (MPPT)portion configured to obtain solar cell data from the solar panel anddetermine power optimization information from the solar panel data; atemperature compensation portion configured to obtain temperature dataof the battery and determine correction information based on thetemperature data; and a startup and charge rate intelligence portionconfigured to obtain charge status data from the battery and determinecharge optimization information based on the charge status data; and aload control and output regulation portion configured to control andregulate electrical power sent to charge the battery based on the poweroptimization information obtained from the MPPT portion, the correctioninformation obtained from the temperature compensation portion, and thecharge optimization information obtained from the startup and chargerate intelligence portion.
 4. The battery charging system of claim 1,wherein the automotive type transient suppression module is configuredto protect the solar charge source from one or more of a SAE J1113 typetransient, a SAE J1455 type transient, a ISO 11452 type transient, a ISO7637 type transient, a ISO 10605 type transient, and a IEC CISPR-25 typetransient.
 5. The battery charging system of claim 4, wherein theautomotive type transient suppression module is configured to protectthe solar charge source from one or more of a J1113/11 Pulse 1ctransient, a J113/11 Pulse 2a transient, a J1113/11 Pulse 2b transient,a J1113/11 Pulses 3a/3b transient, a J1113/11 Pulse 4 transient, aJ1113/11 Load Dump transient.
 6. The battery charging system of claim 1,wherein the solar charge controller includes an electrostatic dischargeprotection module configured to protect the solar charge source from asudden flow of electricity between the solar charge controller and anelectrically charged object.
 7. The battery charging system of claim 1,wherein the automotive type transient suppression module is configuredto provide automotive type transient protection for the solar chargesource from then automotive type transient occurring when the electricmachine charge source is disconnected from the battery.
 8. A method forproviding power to a load using a solar charge source, the methodcomprising: a solar charge controller of the solar charge sourceobtaining electrical power from a solar panel; passing the electricalpower through an electrostatic discharge protection module forprotecting the solar charge source from a sudden flow of electricitybetween the solar charge controller and an electrically charged object;a converter module converting the obtained electrical power from a firstvoltage level to a second voltage level; a load control moduleregulating the converted electrical power for controlling power providedto the load; passing the regulated electrical power through anautomotive type transient suppression module for protecting the solarcharge source from an automotive type transient; and passing theregulated electrical power through the electrostatic dischargeprotection module and out of the solar charge controller.
 9. The methodof claim 8, further comprising sending the regulated electrical power tothe load.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the load control moduleregulating the converted electrical power for controlling power providedto the load includes: a maximum power point tracking portion determiningpower optimization information based on solar cell data from a solarpanel; a temperature compensation portion determining correctioninformation based on temperature data of the power source; a startup andcharge rate intelligence portion determining charge optimizationinformation based on charge status data of the power source; and theload control module regulating the converted electrical power based onthe power optimization information, the correction information, and thecharge optimization information.
 11. The method of claim 8, furthercomprising the automotive type transient suppression module protectingthe solar charge source from one or more of a SAE J1113 type transient,a SAE J1455 type transient, a ISO 11452 type transient, a ISO 7637 typetransient, a ISO 10605 type transient, and a IEC CISPR-25 typetransient.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the automotivetype transient suppression module protecting the solar charge sourcefrom one or more of a J1113/11 Pulse 1c transient, a J1113/11 Pulse 2atransient, a J1113/11 Pulse 2b transient, a J1113/11 Pulses 3a/3btransient, a J1113/11 Pulse 4 transient, a J1113/11 Load Dump transient.13. A solar charge source for providing DC power to a load, the solarcharge source comprising: a solar charge controller including anautomotive type transient suppression module configured to provideautomotive type transient protection for the solar charge source from anautomotive type transient.
 14. The solar charge source of claim 13,further comprising a solar panel connected to the solar chargecontroller, wherein the solar panel is configured to absorb sunlight andgenerate electrical power from the sunlight.
 15. The solar charge sourceof claim 13, wherein the solar charge controller further includes a loadcontrol module configured to control operation of the solar chargesource.
 16. The solar charge source of claim 15, wherein the loadcontrol module includes: a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) portionconfigured to obtain solar cell data from a solar panel and determinepower optimization information from the solar panel data; a temperaturecompensation portion configured to obtain temperature data of the loadand determine correction information based on the temperature data; anda startup and charge rate intelligence portion configured to obtaincharge status data from the load and determine charge optimizationinformation based on the charge status data; and a load control andoutput regulation portion configured to control and regulate electricalpower sent to charge the load based on the power optimizationinformation obtained from the MPPT portion, the correction informationobtained from the temperature compensation portion, and the chargeoptimization information obtained from the startup and charge rateintelligence portion.
 17. The solar charge source of claim 13, whereinthe automotive type transient suppression module is configured toprotect the solar charge source from one or more of a SAE J1113 typetransient, a SAE J1455 type transient, a ISO 11452 type transient, a ISO7637 type transient, a ISO 10605 type transient, and a IEC CISPR-25 typetransient.
 18. The solar charge source of claim 17, wherein theautomotive type transient suppression module is configured to protectthe solar charge source from one or more of a J1113/11 Pulse 1ctransient, a J1113/11 Pulse 2a transient, a J1113/11 Pulse 2b transient,a J1113/11 Pulses 3a/3b transient, a J1113/11 Pulse 4 transient, aJ1113/11 Load Dump transient.
 19. The solar charge source of claim 13,wherein the solar charge controller includes an electrostatic dischargeprotection module configured to protect the solar charge source from asudden flow of electricity between the solar charge controller and anelectrically charged object.